What Is Executive Function Responsible For?

There are three main areas of executive function. They are:

1. Working memory
2. Cognitive flexibility (also called flexible thinking)
3. Inhibitory control (which includes self-control)

Executive function is responsible for many skills, including:

• Paying attention
• Organizing, planning, and prioritizing
• Starting tasks and staying focused on them to completion
• Understanding different points of view
• Regulating emotions
• Self-monitoring (keeping track of what you’re doing)

Executive functioning skills usually develop quickly in early childhood and into the teen years. But they keep developing into the mid-20s.